As Temple University’s new school year begins today, Temple Police is still hoping to provide top quality safety for students and faculty. 

Temple’s new Vice President of Public Safety, Dr. Jennifer Griffin's job begins today, as gun violence is at an all time high in Philadelphia.

Griffin, a longtime Delaware State Police Trooper and adjunct faculty member at the University of Delaware, was named vice president for public safety by Temple University Chief Operating Officer Ken Kaiser back in late July. She is the first to be named to the position.  

One goal for Temple police is to hire more officers, however, Temple Police is short staffed, with around 35 unfilled positions. Despite the lack of Temple police, Kaiser believes that creating the new position is an opportunity for the University.

“Creating the new vice president for public safety position is a continuation of our efforts to further our commitment to campus safety here at Temple. Quite frankly, it is our No. 1 priority, and we could not be more pleased to see this search ultimately yield someone like Jennifer,” Kaiser said. 

“For more than 20 years, she has been a key member of the Delaware State Police, and she brings a unique blend of education, experience, emotional intelligence, knowledge, skills and abilities to this role. As a longtime instructor at the University of Delaware, she also understands the higher education landscape, and her evidence-based, progressive policing tactics will serve her well as she works to connect with all Temple and North Philadelphia stakeholders,” he continued. 

Parents of Temple students have been concerned about the way that security has lacked safety as gun violence took the lives of Temple students last year, including the death of Amir Jones, who was gunned down during a robbery; and Samuel Collington, who was killed during an attempted carjacking.

With hopes of decreasing violence around Temple campus, Griffin wants to initiate a level of trust and openness with students.

“I am thrilled to embark in this new position and join the Temple family. I look forward to honorably representing Campus Safety Services with our students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community,” Griffin said. “This opportunity allows me to merge my love of public service and safety within a university environment. It has been a privilege to teach and engage with students, athletes, colleagues and staff during my time at the University of Delaware. I come to Temple with an open heart and mind with high levels of interest and openness to the unique challenges and possibilities our Temple community is facing.”

Griffin comes to Temple after serving three years as Troop 6 commander at the rank of captain within the Delaware State Police. 

She has also served as an adjunct professor teaching Introduction to the Criminal Justice Systems and Problems of Law Enforcement. She has been teaching since 2013.

Before coming to Temple, Griffin helped launch the Delaware State Police Wellness App, which provides mental health support with a focus on officer wellness. The app also provides Delaware State Police Troopers, civilians and their families confidential access to counseling services, safety and crime prevention tips for officers and civilians who are struggling mentally.